Only hours after the shocking news about MF DOOM’s passing was just beginning to circulate throughout the music world on New Year’s Eve, we heard further heartbreaking news through social media that San Francisco native, producer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and vocalist Kenyan “K-Maxx” Hopkins had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on December 29. This devastating news sent shockwaves through the Bay Area music community and beyond.

A member of SF’s legendary SweaterFunk DJ crew, K-Maxx was one of the steadfast purveyors of the thriving West Coast modern funk/boogie scene, releasing a number of singles and EPs over the last decade including 2013’s standout Sweater Funk Presents and 2016’s For The Record. In that time, he also collaborated on a number of tracks with other notable modern funk artists like Brian Ellis, The Pendeltons, Computa Games, and others.

The day he sadly passed was also coincidentally the same day he released his latest EP titled Selections. Featuring six new tracks, this great new recording represents his first release since 2016, as he made a conscious effort to get back to writing and recording following the passing of his mother, who he was particularly close to. The record nicely blends together 80s-influenced synths, heavy bass grooves, soaring electric guitars, and soulful vocals. Fans of Dâm-Funk, Steve Arrington, XL Middleton, and The Pendeltons should definitely check this out.

On a personal note, I unfortunately didn’t know Ken very well, only interacting with him a couple times, however a number of my friends were very close to him, and always had great things to say. It is safe to say that he was not only a creative individual, but an incredible spirit and all-around good person that left a positive and lasting impact on his community and those he came in contact with. This past week, we certainly lost a good one, however through the memories of his loved ones and the great music he left behind, his legacy will forever live on.

RIP, Kenyan “K-Maxx” Hopkins.

K-Maxx — ‘Selections’ EP
(AceNote Worldwide)

1. I Found You
2. HellaBad
3. So Many Ways
4. Slow Motion
5. Cuddle
6. Swing My Way

BUY RECORD

• Boogie
• New Releases
• Soul